University Offers 'Get Ready, Set...GRE"
Assistance for Graduate Students

Texas A&M International University is looking for a few
good grad students and is making an offer to them that's hard to
refuse...an opportunity to earn a higher score on entrance exams
and get a scholarship to boot.

A&M International will offer a series of GRE review
sessions for students free of charge. After completing the
session and exam and applying for admission to any of the
University's graduate programs, the University will provide
accepted students with a scholarship good towards their next
semester of study at the University.

Dr. Ray Keck, University provost, said the offer is part of a
pilot program, "Get Ready, Set...GRE" to begin this
Fall which is geared to boosting graduate student enrollment at
the University.

"People get ahead by degrees and securing the graduate
degree remains the mark of a person committed to their profession
and field of study. We want to increase the number of students
who can explore that option and commit to their professional
betterment," Dr. Keck said.

Keck said the idea for the review course and scholarship offer
came from Dr. John Kohl, dean of the University's College of
Business Administration.

"Dr. Kohl's College enjoys one of the largest graduate
student enrollments, attracting students from all over the world.
He believed that all our graduate enrollment could be helped by
such a program and we think this project has tremendous potential
to do just that," he said.

Keck said that one hurdle many students find initially
daunting is readying for the admission exams.

"It's not the kind of test that you can take cold.
National research shows that all students need to prepare and
review. We believe that's best done in a structured environment
that provides sample test experiences and allows students a
chance to share the experience. This pilot project aims to
provide that experience and to help student be at their best
level of preparation for the test," Keck said.

The new program will be available to any student who has
completed their undergraduate degree in the last 5 years and is a
Texas resident.

Students will pay for their own review book, approximately $20
,and the test cost, $105. The review course, which is 32 hours in
duration, has a $250 value and will be offered free of charge.

The review class for the Fall GRE testing will meet on
Saturdays with 12 hours dedicated to math study, 12 to English, 4
for the pre-test and 4 for the post-test. The start date for this
Fall will be Aug. 18. The Fall GRE will be scheduled Oct. 13. The
start date for the Spring review will be January 5. The Spring
test date is March 2.

Students must complete the course and apply for acceptance to
one of the University's graduate programs within one calendar
year. If accepted to the University's graduate program, the
student will be provided with a scholarship redeemable in the
next semester of graduate study that is approximate to the cost
of the exam.

The paper-pencil version of the GRE is scheduled in Laredo
twice a year, in the Fall and Spring Semesters. Laredo is not a
computer test site for GRE.

Students who are interested in taking the computer version in
San Antonio or Corpus Christi can apply for a test fee waiver.
Students must have economic need and be A&M International
graduating seniors or seeking admission to the Graduate School at
A&M International. Students who have already earned graduate
hours are not eligible candidates for fee waivers.

Keck said he believes the project is indicative of the
University's continued commitment to its graduate students.

"We want our students to succeed. Their success is our
success. We know that when armed with graduate degrees, they will
be well-equipped to lead our community and region in the future.
It's a success we all have to support and endorse," he
concluded.

The University now offers 26 graduate degrees. The most recent
addition was an MS in Curriculum and Instruction in the College
of Education.

For more information on the "Get Ready, Get Set
...GRE," review course contact Dr. Julio Madrigal, director
of the Office of Special Programs, or Sergio Barragan, program
coordinator for Continuing Education at 326.2720, visit offices
in Killam Library 332B or email jfmadrigal@tamiu.edu or
sbarragan@tamiu.edu.